Healthy Love & Money: Financial Therapy, Intimacy, Conflict & Communication for Couples

“We have to realize that the only way to truly understand each other and come to a world where we're a little bit less divisive, and a little bit less prone to fighting with each other is to look at what brings us together, not what separates us. And what brings us together is our values.”

Have you ever considered that demographics might be steering us down a path of misunderstanding each other? David Allison, the visionary behind the Valuegraphics Project, joins our host, Ed Coambs, to reveal a groundbreaking approach to human connection—uniting us through shared values rather than dividing us by typical demographics like age or income.

This episode is a journey into the heart of what truly drives our decisions, as David and Ed dissect the intricate relationship between financial intimacy and personal values. Prepare to have your perspective shifted in a conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and opens the door to more meaningful connections.

David and Ed travel across cultural landscapes, from the United States to China to Africa, and beyond, discovering how these core values shape behaviors and influence political climates. David's insights offer a fresh lens through which to view our global village, suggesting that the secret to bridging divides lies in embracing the values we share, rather than the demographics that separate us. This episode serves as an essential guide for anyone seeking to foster understanding and unity, both in the boardroom and at the dinner table.

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“Don't underestimate the amount of services and resources and support that might be out there. It takes time to research and to find these organizations. But there are a lot of different types of supports that can be provided to adults with disabilities who just need that little extra help in a few different areas to really live their best life.”

Navigating the financial landscape can be daunting, but when it comes to planning for a family member with special needs, the intricacies intensify. That's why our host Ed Coambs sits down with Ryan McGuire of Oak Wealth Advisors to traverse the terrain of special needs financial planning. Ryan's insights offer a beacon of light for parents grappling with the dual objectives of securing their retirement and ensuring the lifelong care of their child with disabilities. They broach subjects such as the judicious distribution of assets and the emotional fortitude required to address these sensitive issues with grace and fairness.

The conversation then shifts gears to the critical support systems that can steer families through the most tumultuous of times. Ed and Ryan unravel the value of specialized services, from medical advocacy firms to healthcare power of attorneys, illustrating through a poignant case study how these lifelines can redefine a family's crisis management.

They wrap up by looking into financial intimacy, revealing its profound influence on personal development and healing. Ryan's passion for guiding individuals through their financial journeys shines as he advocates for self-awareness tools like journaling to deepen understanding. Join in on this heartening exploration of money's role in relationships and well-being, and discover how to foster more robust financial dynamics and connections within your own life.

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“We're not eager as a culture, to embrace that sense of sadness and loss to somebody who has a gazillion dollars in the bank. And that's really a wrong approach.”

Discover the intersection of heartache and finances as our host Ed Coambs chats with Kathi Balasek, an educator and grief guide, who shares invaluable insights on coping with loss while navigating the complex world of financial planning. With Kathi's compassionate approach, you'll learn how intertwined our self-worth is with our professions and how vital it is for financial advisors to possess a deep understanding of grief—supporting clients beyond just the figures. Likewise, it’s important for everyone in general to understand how grief and finances relate. This episode promises a revealing look at how we can better communicate and connect during life’s most challenging moments.

As Ed and Kathi journey through the varied landscapes of loss, Kathi illuminates the pressures of resilience and the courage found in vulnerability. You'll gain perspectives on how to honor the full spectrum of emotions after losing a loved one. The conversation also addresses the often unspoken grief accompanying life's transitions, reminding us that true wealth is not measured in digits but in the richness of our human experience. Join in for a powerful exploration of empathy, connection, and the undeniable truth that every loss, no matter its size, begs to be felt and understood.

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“First of all, I talk about Maslow's hierarchy of needs and just share with them okay, we need things like food and shelter and then things that are intrinsic right? What is it that really feels good to you that you really need on a daily, weekly, monthly basis? I need hugs from my boys, french vanilla coffee creamer, chocolate, peanut butter, and daily walks outside. Two of those things don't have any financial costs.”

Join our host Ed Coambs on a journey of discovery into the often-unspoken realms of financial intimacy with the delightful Maggie Klokkenga, a certified CPA, CFP, and money coach with a flair for transforming financial anxieties into actionable wisdom. Listen in as they unpack the concept of financial intimacy, starting with the basics of Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the connection to personal finance. Maggie brings a fresh perspective on how intrinsic needs and simple daily joys are also intertwined with our financial choices, offering insights into how to align our spending with what truly matters to us.

The conversation with Maggie also sheds light on the subconscious 'money scripts' that shape our financial behaviors. By exploring Dr. Brad Klontz's Money Script Inventory, they uncover the childhood roots of our attitudes towards money and how they play out in adulthood. Ed and Maggie's expertise guides us through recognizing these patterns and rewriting them for a healthier financial future. Whether it's confronting the "if I had more money, everything would be okay" belief or celebrating the small steps in financial planning, this discussion is about humanizing the process and finding empathy in the numbers.

Ed’s and Maggie's insights into blending the technical with the psychological aspects of finance offer encouragement and grace to those navigating their monetary journey. Tune in, reflect, and take another step toward understanding and managing your finances with kindness and patience.

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“If you do not make that mental leap from money as income, to money as assets, it has a huge impact on your ability to actually not only become wealthy, but to maintain wealth.”

Ever wondered how wealth could become a culture, not merely a class? It's a thought-provoking journey that our host Ed Coambs along with Dr. Jim Grubman traverse in this second episode in the two-part series. They liken the journey to wealth to climbing Mount Everest - it's arduous, thrilling, and requires careful navigation. Dr. Grubman brings us face-to-face with the four main coping strategies that families employ when dealing with newfound wealth. They dive deep into why the integration approach can often be the most successful of all.

The dynamic between a couple can drastically transform with wealth. The concept of external standards of wealth takes a backseat as Ed and Dr. Grubman discuss one's psychological state of mind. Personal anecdotes and experiences set the stage for a profound understanding of the challenges an increase in wealth can bring to a family. They encourage listeners to understand wealth as a culture and navigate the shifts in dynamics that it brings with it.

Ed and Dr. Grubman then bring into focus how past experiences and identity significantly impact financial decisions. Painting a picture of the transition from a middle-class lifestyle to wealth, they stress the importance of understanding our financial reality. The conversation takes a turn towards the role of money in building wealth, emphasizing the concept of income vs assets and the power of the compounding effect. All this and more in this edition of Healthy Love and Money!

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“Many, if not, most people don't know how to be wealthy. They may be in circumstances that could provide them with wealth or actually does provide them with wealth. But psychologically, they're unprepared for the journey that they are on.”

Get ready to redefine your perception of wealth and its influence on our lives. Our host Ed Coambs is accompanied by noted wealth psychology expert Dr. Jim Grubman as they unwrap the fascinating dynamics between love, money, and psychology. They delve into the intricate world of wealth, shattering stereotypical misconceptions and focusing on nurturing healthier relationships and personal growth by understanding our wealth.

Money is much more than mere currency. It's a symbol of safety, power, and status. Ed and Dr. Grubman explore the psychological impact of money through the heartfelt account of a child of Holocaust survivors, highlighting how past trauma can shape our financial security perception. They also discuss the relevance of financial compatibility in marriages, the challenges of transitioning into different socio-economic cultures, and how our cultural wealth model can shape our lives.

In wrapping, Ed and Dr. Grubman check out Wealth 3.0 and its implications on wealth management, encouraging listeners to challenge and restructure their negative perceptions of wealth. So join in on this exploration into the world of financial psychology. It promises to be a rich blend of wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice you won’t want to miss.

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“Prosperity has a flow to it and prosperity involves money and has to do with money. But to be prosperous means you can be prosperous financially, you can be prosperous in your health, you can be prosperous in your relationships. And true prosperity is a balance in harmony of all three.”

When we think of prosperity, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of financial wealth. But what if you were told there's much more to prosperity than just money? Our host Ed Coambs sits down with the brilliant Dr. Shelli Boucher, a dentist who has incorporated a soulful element into her practice. They wander through the idea of prosperity in finances, health, and relationships, discussing the balance and harmony needed to truly flourish. They also delve into how financial stress can impact your profession and life, sharing personal experiences and finding the silver lining in understanding and overcoming these challenges.

Shelli bravely shares her struggle, offering insight into how she found her passion for supporting mental and emotional health in the dental profession. This conversation is a powerful reminder to stay connected with your profession while exploring passions outside of it.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Ed and Shelli explore the intersection of quantum physics, mental health, and epigenetics. They round off the discussion by reflecting on the concept of financial intimacy and the importance of embracing our unique journeys. Tune in to this enlightening exploration that promises to change how you view your profession, your health, and your wealth.

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“Relationships intersect with money. Your emotions do, your job, your physical activity, your intellectual capacity, your spirituality…Understanding that there are so many elements that are happening, and money can amplify good or bad.”

Are you curious about the interplay between spirituality, relationships, and finances? Get ready to quench your curiosity as our host Ed Coambs dives into an enlightening conversation with Lindsey Lewis. Raised in a Mormon family, Lindsey candidly shares how the act of tithing shaped her family's financial approach. Ed and Lindsey journey through the intriguing complexities of how religious beliefs can mold our financial perceptions, using Lindsey's experiences as a compass.

The riveting discussion takes us through the Mormon practice of often prioritizing tithing over savings and its implications on the community. Lindsey contrasts the frugality instilled by her family with her current mindset of abundance. They then shift gears and explore strategies for teaching children about money, discussing how gender influences a child's financial mindset. They also look into how societal norms and media can shape our beliefs about money. The conversation underscores the importance of open dialogue in making financial decisions within relationships.

They explore the intricate connection between spirituality and finances. Lindsey sheds light on the complexities and nuances often overlooked when faith meets finance. They wrap up this in-depth discussion by reflecting on the power of financial intimacy and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. So buckle up and get ready for a conversation that promises to challenge your perceptions, inspire introspection, and broaden your understanding of the intricate world of finance.

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“I think one thing that could be helpful for couples and bring a lot of connection and understanding of each other is telling your money story to your spouse.”

Imagine starting a conversation with your partner about finances without the fear of taboo or judgment. What would that look like? Join our host Ed Coambs as he takes that journey of financial intimacy with guest Spencer Sherman, founder of Abacus Wealth Partners. He enlightens us on initiating meaningful money conversations in relationships while balancing the emotional and analytical aspects of financial decisions. Spencer shares his insightful journey to understanding the emotional dynamics of money and the integration of mindfulness into his practice.

Ed and Spencer discuss navigating financial dynamics with a focus on flexibility, listening, and validation. One doesn't need to be a financial expert to achieve success. In fact, you can leverage common sense and objectivity to overcome financial challenges. They delve deeper into the complexities of unequal financial dynamics and how societal taboos have made money talks notoriously complicated. Spencer talks about the support spouses can offer each other in their respective career paths and the potential of shifting to a more sustainable profession. All this and more in this episode of Healthy Love and Money!

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 “People like me don’t want to hear ‘it might not work.’ The more you can remind me ‘this is our best guess,’ I think that’s helpful.”

Today, our host Ed Coambs has the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Ted Klontz. Dr. Klontz takes us on an insightful journey through the Theory of Everything. He delves into the stories we create about our life experiences, and how these narratives shape our interactions with others. Listen in as he shares how embracing these differing perspectives can foster understanding and meaningful connections with those around us. Dr. Klontz also reminds us of the value in acknowledging and giving grace to each other's narratives, instead of seeking to change them.

In another compelling segment of the conversation, they discuss the challenge of belief systems within group identities. This discussion was triggered by the experience of an artist management organization founder who was seeking to save her clients a significant sum of money over their careers. This narrative extends to the field of financial planning, where they noted the existence of various models.

Ed and Dr. Klontz delve into the paradoxes of financial planning and the importance of honesty in client relationships. The conversation rounds off with a profound discussion on self-love, its role in our relationships, and the necessity of reflective pauses for personal growth. All this and much more in today’s episode of Healthy Love and Money!

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